One summer ago, infielder Mitch Hilligoss was a player we really enjoyed covering here in Staten Island. Originally a sixth round pick out of Purdue in last year’s Baseball Draft, he went on to have a solid rookie pro season in helping lead the Baby Bombers to back-to-back NY-Penn League titles.

Hilligoss made a smooth transition from shortstop to the hot corner. A solid defensive player, he also was of the better hitters in the league finishing in the top 10 with a .292 average. The Windsor Illinois native was good enough to be a Penn League All Star and took home MVP honors.

The 21 year-old doesn’t possess a lot of pop in his bat. However, the lefty hitting third baseman is a patient hitter who has a good eye and can spray balls to both sides of the field. He also has decent speed as evidenced by his 12 steals last year.

In our opinion, he had one of the highest baseball IQs. So it’s no surprise that he’s doing well in Single A Charleston. However, even we’re a little taken back by his 37-game hitting streak which is a South Atlantic League record. With his first home run of the season to dead center in the first inning earlier tonight against Columbus, he extended it.

According to minorleaguebaseball.com, Hilligoss’ streak tied former major leaguer Joey Cora’s Las Vegas mark set in the Pacific Coast League 18 years ago.

The impressive streak began on April 18. Hilligoss also added a single, double and runscoring single  in the seventh for his first four hit game with the Riverdogs- sparking them to a 6-2 victory. He also swiped his eighth base.

With the four hits, he lifted his average to .335 for the season. He also has 14 doubles and 23 RBI’s. About the only area so far he’s struggled is in the field where at last check he had 13 errors. However, none have come in his last 14 which is nice to see.

One thing is certain. Hilligoss is one to keep a close eye on.